SPRING 2006 NEWSLETTER

February 27,2006

Greetings from Shadowood Farm,

Within the next ten days, we can all breath a collective sigh of relief, knowing that the chances for frost and freeze have left us for another year. We had 28 degrees here at the farm during the last freeze warning and plenty of damages to show for it. The low temperatures have really slowed down our growing process, so we’re eager to watch Spring do her thing soon!

Our upcoming dates for Retail will occur on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
from 9-4 and are as follows:

June 1, 2, and 3

The new Salvias and Plectranthus are taking their sweet time to root and flower. It’s looking more like March 20th as a ready date for most cultivars. For those of you that visited last month, the only new Salvias that are ready are the same ones that were here in February… On the “up” side, the “Purple Firespike” (Odontenema species) are full of bud and bursting into flower. We have both #3 gl. and #7 gl. ready. The “Nunn’s Orchids” (Phaius species) are filled with buds in #6 inch pots. For you Native Plant buffs, the “Blue Eyed Grass” looks outrageous in #1 gl. pots. The Ferns ( Macho, Leatherleaf, Fluffy Ruffle, Black Rabbit’s Foot, East Indian Holly and Foxtail) are all looking wonderful.

If you’ve heard rumors that there is a “For Sale” sign out in front, it’s more than mere gossip. A couple of years ago, we decided that 2006/2007 would be a good time for a lifestyle change, and here we are! This will be far from a “fire sale”, so don’t feel like you have to rush out for a final visit. Growing has taught us to be patient, so we’re quite prepared to continue doing our “thang” until some one offers us what we’re asking for.

Our current plan is to keep the farm open for our “Retail Events” through May, we’ll shut down as usual for the summer and play plans for fall by ear. As Martin County continues to grow and supposedly prosper, we find ourselves wanting to live a different kind of life in a different kind of place. And so, when the timing and the price are right, that’s exactly what we’ll do!

Until that day arrives, we’ll continue to grow wonderful things and gladly share them with you.

Happy Planting,
Bob and Sarah

Shadowood Farm Bismark Palm
Bismarkia nobilis

Shadowood Garden Shop